An Unusual Prison Near Chetumal, Quintana Roo
A Mexican Jail With No Violence, Happy Prisoners and Arts & Crafts
Aug 12, 2009
According to Warden Victor Terazzas there has been no violence in the prison in the last ten years. "When there is a disagreement, we have the inmates involved put on the gloves and get into the boxing ring," relates Terazzas "After about two rounds the dispute is over."
The Author Discovers the Prison
The author saw Mayan muralist and artist, Francisco Hoil's paintings in a café in Bacalar and asked where we could find the artist. He was told that he could find him at a certain café in Chetumal. The author went and met him. He showed his studio/classroom nearby and then showed some of his murals in various places around town. He finally took the author to the prison where he gave classes. That was how entrance gained into the prison.
Meeting Warden Terazzas
He took the author to meet warden Terazzas, a large man with a great mustache, wearing a blue guayabera (traditional shirt). He appeared to be a nice guy. Neither he nor his young assistant were wearing guns.
Terazzas talked for a while explaining the operation of the prison (of about 1100 inmates) and how there had been no violence in the ten years, since he became warden. He then gave the author a wooden nut cracker in the shape of a duck made by the inmates.
A Tour of the CERESO Chetumal Prison
He took Hoil and the author to tour the prison.
First pass the hammock sales room with its many colorful and well-made hammocks then out into the courtyard
The prisoners wear civilian clothes some lounging around, some active--going places, trying to sell us, necklaces, hammocks, purses, carved wooden pieces--dolphins, etc. Others werecselling fruit and other treats The courtyard has a few small food stands.
The warden and assistant were still without guns. There were no guards in the yard. Most everybody was friendly--wanting to interact. All seem to like warden.. A few trinkets are bought from the prisoners.
Also, around the courtyard, seemingly somewhat haphazardly placed, are a spa with massage and holistic treatments, a classroom for language and regular school classes, a well stocked library, a computer lab, a gym, the kitchen--with its Belgian chef, and a conjugal-visit "hotel"
Next is the arts and crafts studios where Francisco Hoil teaches. Many things are made with recycled materials—paper mache, soda cans and bottles. Classy purses are made from soda bottle labels. The artists and crafts persons make good living. They have TV, stereo, etc. There are also "distributors" and vendors working selling to outsiders, tourists, family members, and other prisoners.
A visit to the Conjugal Hotel
On the way to see the conjugal “hotel” a man with a woman and baby are encountered. They are both inmates. The baby was born in the prison and every night at lockup time he goes with his mother.
The conjugal rooms have red hearts on the doors. "TE AMO" one says. The inmates pay10 pesos a night (about $1 US). They bring their own sheets, towels, fan, TV, etc. Families can visit every 2 months for 1 or 2 nights.
CERESO Prison Not Like an American White-Collar Prison
This is not like an American "country club" prisons--where politicians white collar criminals and CEO's are sent. These people are here on offenses such as robbery, drugs and the like. With the excellent treatment they receive many leave with a new trade and the return rate is extremely low.
Where to Find the Prison
The prison is located about two miles south of Chetumal on the Cancun highway.
How to Buy Arts and Crafts from the Inmates
Tourists can go to the front gate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and say you want to buy handicrafts (artesanías). The prisoners will bring their art and crafts to the main door of the prison. Some of the best hammocks in the area are made there. A large hammock will cost about $50 US Dollars (would sell for $200-350 in the U.S.) There are also fine woodcarvings and many other craft items including Crafts: wooden shop work, beaded work, crochet work and jewelry--mostly beaded.
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